Blame it on injuries, facing the Golden State Warriors twice in a week, or Anthony Davis' cold start - the bottom line is that the New Orleans Pelicans were hoping for something better than 0-3.
The Brow and company will have a chance for their first win on Tuesday, when the play host to the upstart Orlando Magic, and as veteran enforcer Kendrick Perkins stated in so many words: The pressure is on.
Classic Kendrick Perkins: "We need a win like old people need soft shoes
— John Reid (@JohnReid64) November 3, 2015
Snazzy quote aside, the Pelicans have a golden opportunity for a win on Tuesday. The Magic have lost three heartbreakers to start the year, but they're also winless through three games and, even with a depleted wing corp, New Orleans should still be able to capitalize so long as Davis is playing.
Help might also be on the way, too, as center Omer Asik is a game-time decision for Tuesday's game. The 29-year-old Turkish center missed preseason and the team's first two games with a strained calf before returning for a 10-minute run last Saturday against the Warriors.
The Pelicans and Magic split the matchup last season, as both teams grabbed wins at home.